UFC Vegas 115 – Moicano VS. Duncan Picks & Predictions are here 🔥 This weekend’s UFC Vegas 115 headliner features a fascinating clash of trajectories in the lightweight division as veteran submission specialist Renato Moicano faces off against the surging Scottish powerhouse Chris Duncan.
Renato Moicano (+146) VS Chris Duncan (-182)
I view this matchup as a true 50/50 toss-up, featuring two contrasting styles. Chris Duncan is known for his high-octane pace and fan-friendly approach, while Renato Moicano is a far more tactical, calculated veteran with a massive edge in experience. Duncan will likely look to impose his will early, utilizing his trademark aggression to try and overwhelm Moicano from the opening bell.
If the fight remains standing, the advantage likely leans toward Moicano; he possesses a superior reach and the ability to pick opponents apart from the outside. Furthermore, a look at Duncan’s statistical profile shows he doesn’t typically outwork opponents in terms of significant strike volume, and he has never navigated the treacherous waters of a five-round main event. This lack of championship-distance experience might force Duncan to either adopt a more measured pace or go “all-in” on an early finish, as Moicano’s veteran savvy will likely take over the longer the fight lasts.
For Moicano, this is familiar territory, whereas Duncan is stepping into the biggest spotlight of his career. Unless age has finally caught up with the Brazilian, his experience and superior fight IQ should be enough to secure the win. Duncan’s most viable path to victory involves consistent takedowns and top control to bank rounds, as finding a clean finish against a defensive specialist like Moicano remains a difficult task.
Final Picks & Predictions – Renato Moicano Moneyline
Virna Jandiroba (-128) VS Tabatha Ricci (+104)
Both athletes bring a wealth of UFC experience into this matchup, with Virna Jandiroba coming off a setback against Mackenzie Dern while Tabatha Ricci secured a statement finish over Amanda Ribas. Predicting the trajectory of this contest is challenging, as both fighters are exceptionally well-rounded and boast elite takedown defense. Jandiroba successfully defends 74% of attempts, while Ricci stands at 78%. High-level metrics that make it difficult to determine who holds the functional edge in the wrestling department.
Notably, even a high-volume wrestler like Lupita Godinez was unable to ground Ricci, and Gillian Robertson, another grappling specialist, only managed a single takedown while being put on her back three times in return. However, age remains a pivotal factor; Jandiroba is 38 and likely entering the twilight of her career, whereas the 31-year-old Ricci is currently operating in her athletic prime.
Ultimately, victory will belong to the fighter who has implemented the superior camp. While a prime Virna Jandiroba would likely dismantle Ricci without much resistance, one cannot speak with such certainty given the physical realities of being 38 in a speed-reliant division. Despite these age-related concerns, I am still leaning toward Jandiroba’s veteran savvy to carry her to a victory.
Final Picks and Predictions : Virna Jandiroba
Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev (-1429) VS Bredson Ribeiro (+760)
The dynamic of this matchup is abundantly clear, and the betting lines reflect that reality, with Yakhyaev entering as a massive favorite. I am convinced that Yakhyaev is destined for a light heavyweight title run and will eventually become a major force in this division. Between his performance on the Contender Series and his promotional debut, he has already demonstrated the markings of a future elite. In this pairing, the only real variable is the method of victory; while he is a dangerous grappler, I believe it is time for Yakhyaev to add a signature knockout to his resume. Conversely, Ribeiro has struggled to make a positive impression during his UFC tenure, and a loss here could very well signal the end of his run with the promotion.
Final Picks and Predictions : Abdulrakhman Yakhyaev By KO
Ethyn Ewing (-149) VS Rafael Estevam (+121)
Ewing made an immediate impression in his debut by derailing the hype of rising star Malcolm Wellmaker, a performance that firmly put the division on notice. As for Rafael Estevam, he has yet to give us a reason to doubt his capabilities; his victory over Charles Johnson proved he is a high-level competitor with significant experience. While Ewing is 28 years old and only six years into his professional MMA career, it is clear that this will be an incredibly competitive bout. In closely contested matchups, experience often becomes the deciding factor, and that edge belongs to Estevam here. Taking these factors into account, I believe Rafael Estevam will manage to secure the victory.
Final Picks and Predictions : Rafael Estevam
Tommy McMillen (-1429) VS Manolo Zecchini (+780)
Much like the matchup between Iakhiaev and Ribeiro, we have a clear-cut favorite here in Tom McMillan. On the Contender Series, McMillan secured a hard-fought decision win over the previously unbeaten David Mgoian. Marking the first time in his career he had ever gone to the scorecards, having finished every other opponent prior to that. Conversely, Manolo Zecchini failed to leave a lasting impression in his debut, suffering a first-round stoppage loss to Morgan Charriere, which makes it difficult to place much faith in his chances here.
However, it is worth noting that 9 of Zecchini’s 11 career victories have come by way of knockout, underscoring the legitimate power he possesses. One cannot entirely rule out the possibility of him finding a fight-ending shot if the opportunity arises. McMillan will undoubtedly be aware of this threat and will likely look to avoid a prolonged striking battle, instead utilizing his grappling to hunt for a submission. An outcome he is highly probable to achieve.
Final Picks and Predictions – Tommy McMillen By Submission
